Abstract
AbstractCarbon modified TiO2nanobelts (TiO2-C) were synthesized using a hydrothermal growth method, as a support material for palladium (Pd) nanoparticles (Pd/TiO2-C) to improve the electrocatalytic performance for methanol electrooxidation by comparison to Pd nanoparticles on bare TiO2nanobelts (Pd/TiO2) and activated carbon (Pd/AC). Cyclic voltammetry characterization was conducted with respect to saturated calomel electrode (SCE) in an alkaline methanol solution, and the results indicate that the specific activity of Pd/TiO2-C is 2.2 times that of Pd/AC and 1.5 times that of Pd/TiO2. Chronoamperometry results revealed that the TiO2-C support was comparable in stability to activated carbon, but possesses an enhanced current density for methanol oxidation at a potential of −0.2 V vs. SCE. The current study demonstrates the potential of Pd nanoparticle loaded on hierarchical TiO2-C nanobelts for electrocatalytic applications such as fuel cells and batteries.
Highlights
Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) have garnered interest in the portable devices and transportation industries because of their relatively low cost, high storage capabilities, low temperature operation, low-carbon emission, and high energy density [1,2,3]
The same liquid phase reduction method was used to form Pd nanoparticles that were supported on bare TiO2 nanobelts and activated carbon (Glassy spherical powder: 99.95% trace metals basis and >100 m2/g specific surface area, Sigma Aldrich)
The TiO2-C spectrum reveals the existence of two carbon bands, one at 1348 (D) cm−1 and the other at 1589 (G) cm−1 [36], corresponding to defect and graphitic bands of carbon, respectively; it depicts the three characteristic anatase bands- 389 cm−1(B1g), 508 cm−1(A1g), and 630 cm−1 (Eg) – that are similar to bare TiO2nanobelts, they are red-shifted by 3-4 cm−1indicating that there is an interaction with the surface carbon due to Raman spectroscopy being sensitive to crystallinity and microstructure of a material
Summary
Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) have garnered interest in the portable devices and transportation industries because of their relatively low cost, high storage capabilities, low temperature operation, low-carbon emission, and high energy density [1,2,3]. We have conducted preliminary work on improving the conductivity of TiO2 nanobelt supports via carbonization and demonstrate higher peak density currents for methanol electrooxidation than the study conducted by F. The same liquid phase reduction method was used to form Pd nanoparticles that were supported on bare TiO2 nanobelts and activated carbon (Glassy spherical powder: 99.95% trace metals basis and >100 m2/g specific surface area, Sigma Aldrich). After drying the ink at room temperature, 2 μL of Nafion (5 wt% in lower aliphatic alcohols and water, Sigma-Aldrich) was applied on the GC electrode This setup was used in measurements to determine Pd concentration of the catalysts and methanol electrooxidation performance. A charge value of 405 μC/cm for reduction of the PdO monolayer was used [34]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
